About
Discover real-time whale sightings across the Pacific Northwest with an interactive map and species field guide. Receive instant alerts for nearby sightings and learn about local cetaceans.
What's New in Whale Watch PNW
1.7.8
October 27, 2026
Fix a bug that was preventing some alerts to appear
Developer apps
FAQ
What is Whale Watch PNW?
Whale Watch PNW is a free application that provides real-time cetacean sightings across the Salish Sea and Pacific Northwest. It features an interactive map, push alerts for nearby sightings, and a comprehensive species field guide.
How does Whale Watch PNW track whale sightings?
Sightings are powered by Acartia, a citizen science network used by researchers, naturalists, and whale watch operators. This data is displayed on an interactive map within the app.
Can I get alerts for specific whale species?
Yes, you can choose which species to follow for push notifications, including Southern Resident Orca, Bigg's Transient Orca, Humpback, Gray Whale, and more. Alerts are sent when a whale is spotted within 50 km of your location.
What information is available for each sighting?
When you tap on a sighting pin, you can view details such as location, pod size, observed behavior, and specific species information. This data is sourced from Acartia and NOAA Tides & Currents.
Does Whale Watch PNW have ads?
No, Whale Watch PNW is completely free, with no subscription, account, or advertisements. The app is built on open data and designed to remain free forever.
What whale and dolphin species are covered in Whale Watch PNW?
The app covers 8 cetacean species found in PNW waters: Southern Resident Orca, Bigg's Transient Orca, Offshore Orca, Humpback Whale, Gray Whale, Minke Whale, Harbor Porpoise, and Pacific White-sided Dolphin.
What devices does Whale Watch PNW support?
Whale Watch PNW is available on iPhone and iPad devices, indicated by its support for these platforms.
How often is Whale Watch PNW updated?
The latest version of Whale Watch PNW is 1.7.8, and it was last updated on October 27, 2026. This indicates regular maintenance and potential feature additions.
